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Surfing · Hawaii

Surfing in Hawaii

Surf 46 surf schools, camps and coaches across Hawaii. Maps, hours, contact info, photos, and verified operator profiles, all in one place.

Volcanic peaks rising 13,000 feet from a tropical Pacific.

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About Hawaii

Surfing was born here. Long before it had a competition circuit or a wetsuit industry, Hawaiians were riding waves on hand-shaped wooden boards, and the sport still carries that lineage on every beach. The range is what stuns first-timers: Waikiki's south-shore rollers peel so slowly you can stand up on your first day, while an hour's drive away the North Shore's Pipeline throws barrels that end careers. Consistent Pacific swell keeps something breaking somewhere all year, and the visitor-heavy shores are thick with surf schools and coaches who put beginners in forgiving water.

The seafloor does the sorting. Reef breaks, point breaks, and beach breaks ring every island, each with its own temperament. On Maui, Honolua Bay peels for advanced surfers who know how to read it, while the sheltered water near Lahaina is where most people catch their first wave. Kauai keeps its crowds thinner, Hanalei Bay on the north shore offers scenic, dependable waves that suit a wide spread of abilities. You can chase adrenaline or ease into the sport on the same island in the same week.

Surf culture here is inseparable from local life, and that comes with expectations: respect for the ocean, the land, and the people already in the lineup. Surf camps on Oahu and Maui fold lessons into cultural context and lodging, usually organized by age or ability, with equipment, coaching, and guided runs to appropriate breaks bundled in. A local coach is worth the money for more than technique, they teach you how a wave sets up and how the lineup expects you to behave, which keeps you safer and out of trouble.

Warm water is the quiet luxury. Temperatures stay high enough year-round that a rash guard and board shorts cover most sessions, no thick rubber, no numb feet. Oahu's North Shore grabs the winter headlines with its big-wave season, but the south-facing shores wake up in summer with clean, manageable waves for beginners and intermediates. The trick to planning a Hawaii trip is matching the season to your skill; rental shops, schools, and guides are everywhere on the main islands, so the logistics are the easy part.

Best time to go

When to surf in Hawaii

Full seasonality
Peak season Nov–Feb
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Year-round. Winter brings the biggest North Pacific surf.

  • November–February: huge North Shore surf for experts
  • June–August: fun south-shore swells, better for most surfers
  • Respect local conditions, winter Hawaii is serious

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Quick facts

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46 surf schools, camps and coaches

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Watch it live

Live webcams in Hawaii

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Map of where the Hawaii Surf Cams webcam isLocation
Surf cam · Hawaiian Islands, Hawaii

Hawaii Surf Cams

via LiveBeaches

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Watch Hawaii Surf Cams live
Map of where the Waikiki Beach Cam (Sheraton Waikiki) webcam isLocation
Beach cam · Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach Cam (Sheraton Waikiki)

via Sheraton Waikiki / Ozolio

Watch live
Watch Waikiki Beach Cam (Sheraton Waikiki) live

Plan your trip

Plan your trip to Hawaii

Swell Season and Consistency

Hawaii experiences distinct swell seasons. Winter (November-March) brings large, powerful swells to the north shores of all islands, while summer (May-September) features consistent, smaller swells on the south shores. East-facing shores receive trade-wind swells year-round. Researching the current swell forecast is crucial for finding appropriate waves for your skill level.

Beginner vs. Advanced Breaks

Hawaii offers a spectrum of breaks. Waikiki Beach on Oahu and areas around Lahaina on Maui are excellent for beginners with gentle, forgiving waves and numerous surf schools. Advanced surfers should look to Oahu's North Shore (winter) or Maui's Honolua Bay (winter) and Pe'ahi (Jaws) for challenging, powerful waves. Always assess conditions carefully before entering the water.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Needs

Hawaii's ocean water temperatures are consistently warm, typically ranging from 75-80°F (24-27°C) year-round. Most surfers find a rash guard and board shorts sufficient for sun protection and minor warmth. A light wetsuit top or vest may be preferred by some for dawn patrols or extended sessions, but full wetsuits are generally unnecessary.

Surf School and Lesson Availability

Surf schools and private lesson coaches are widely available across the main islands, particularly in popular tourist areas like Waikiki (Oahu), Lahaina (Maui), and Poipu (Kauai). It is advisable to book lessons or camp spots in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure preferred dates and instructors. Verify instructor certifications and safety protocols.

Local Etiquette and Ocean Safety

Respect for local surfers and ocean safety rules is paramount. Always observe the 'pecking order' in the lineup, do not drop in on another surfer, and apologize if you make a mistake. Prioritize safety by never turning your back on the ocean, knowing your limits, and being aware of currents, reefs, and marine life. Heed all lifeguard warnings and signage.

Confirm current requirements with the state agency before your trip. Rules and fees change every season.

  • Ocean Safety and Awareness

    While not a formal license, all ocean users in Hawaii are expected to adhere to general ocean safety guidelines and advisories issued by local authorities. This includes understanding rip currents, respecting marine life, and knowing when conditions are too dangerous. Always check local beach conditions and heed lifeguard warnings.

    Hawaii DLNR DOBOR

  • Marine Protected Area Compliance

    Hawaii has numerous Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Ocean Recreation Management Areas (ORMAs) with specific rules regarding activities, fishing, and interaction with marine life. Surfers must be aware of and comply with these regulations, particularly those prohibiting disturbance of coral reefs or marine animals.

    Hawaii DLNR DAR

  • Protected Species Interaction

    It is illegal to touch, harass, or feed protected marine species such as Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu) and Hawaiian monk seals. Keep a respectful distance both in and out of the water: NOAA recommends staying at least 10 feet from sea turtles and at least 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (150 feet from seal mothers with pups). Violations can result in significant fines and penalties.

    Hawaii DLNR DAR

  • Commercial Operation Permits

    Surf schools, camps, and lesson coaches operating commercially on state lands or waters are required to hold appropriate permits and licenses from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) or relevant county agencies. Visitors booking lessons should verify that their chosen operator is properly licensed and insured.

    Hawaii DLNR DOBOR
  1. 01

    1. Research Swell Seasons and Island Options

    Match the timing to your ability and the wave size you want. North shores are winter's advanced arena; south shores are the summer beginner's playground. Pick the island that fits the surf experience and the trip you're after.

  2. 02

    2. Book Lessons or Surf Camp

    Beginners should start with a certified surf school or a multi-day camp; intermediate and advanced surfers get more from a guided tour that unlocks local breaks. Book early, peak travel windows fill up fast.

  3. 03

    3. Arrange Accommodation and Transportation

    Stay close to your chosen break or school. A rental car pays off in flexibility, letting you chase waves and sights across the island, just make sure it can carry a board if you plan to rent one.

  4. 04

    4. Pack Essential Gear and Sun Protection

    Bring a swimsuit, a rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Boards are easy to rent, but pack your own if you have a favorite and you're traveling for a while. A waterproof pouch for valuables earns its keep.

  5. 05

    5. Learn Local Etiquette and Ocean Safety

    Before you paddle out, learn the basics: respect the lineup, never drop in. Understand how rip currents work and the rules around marine life. Check local conditions and do what the lifeguards tell you.

01What is the best time of year for beginner surfers in Hawaii?
Aim for summer, roughly May to September, when the south shores of islands like Oahu and Maui pick up steady, smaller swell. Waikiki in particular serves up gentle, rolling waves that are ideal for learning. Even in winter, the south shores stay far calmer than the pounding north shores.
02Do I need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii?
No, a full wetsuit is almost never needed here. Water temperatures hover around 75-80°F (24-27°C) all year, so most people surf in a rash guard and board shorts. Some pull on a thin wetsuit top for a dawn session or a long stint in the water, but that's about it.
03How do I find a reputable surf school or coach?
Choose a licensed, insured operator, especially one working the popular surf zones. Lean on online reviews, local tourism boards, and referrals from where you're staying. Confirm instructors carry CPR and first-aid certification, and ask about the student-to-instructor ratio before you book.
04Are there surf camps available for adults and children?
Yes, camps run for every age and ability, kids and adults alike. Many are multi-day, immersive setups bundling lessons, gear, lodging, and sometimes extra activities. Compare them by location, length, and who they're built for before committing.
05What are the most important surf etiquette rules to follow?
Wait your turn in the lineup, and never drop in on a wave someone is already riding. Communicate, and apologize when you blow it. Don't put another surfer in danger, and treat the locals and the ocean itself with respect, that last part matters more here than almost anywhere.
06Is it safe to surf in Hawaii, especially for beginners?
It can be very safe if you pick spots suited to your ability and learn from certified instructors. Beginners should stick to designated learning zones like Waikiki, with gentle waves and lifeguards on duty. Stay aware of conditions and currents, and heed every warning from lifeguards and posted signs.

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